Switching from Dilaudid IR to ER - experiences ?

[n777ua]

If I understand correctly, 12mg is the lowest dose for the ER of Dilaudid and 8 is the max for immediate release. My MD is considering putting me on the 12, but at that does I’d only take it twice a day. This makes me very nervous, I like having the immediate release around to take as needed when needed. Has anyone on Dilaudid started on the IR then switched to the ER? What was your experience like ?

[backhurtz]

The ONLY differences in immediate release and extending release pain medications is the length of pain management and far less of the ups and downs of short acting pain meds. Instead of taking a pill every 4-6 hours or whatever your dosing schedule is now- you would take it twice a day or however your dr prescribed it for you.
The delivery is smoother- less of the  onset feeling you may get from the immediate release version- but longer pain control and a steady blood plasma level of pain medication over the 12 hours. Over the 12 hours pain is more consistently and evenly controlled.
I prefer the extended release- better overall pain control and none of that woozy feeling and ups and downs of trying to take an immediate release before the pain spirals.